Federal Trucking Regulations

There are many different laws that govern the trucking industry currently. And although each state has its own set of standards, federal statutes apply to all drivers operating these oversized motor vehicles, trucking companies who manage fleets of cargo-carrying trucks, truck maintenance workers, loaders, and all associates involved in the transport process.

Nationwide Truck Laws

The U.S. Department of Transportation appoints the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to oversee the initiation and execution of various truck safety regulations. The trucking industry business owners and private contractors have a legal duty to abide by these regulations, no matter what state they are traveling in.

The extensive FMCSA laws address a wide variety of facets of truck operation and transport, including training, licensing, maintenance, schedules, and record-keeping. Here are a few of the topics addressed in the current federal legislation.

Special driver training and background requirements

Operator hours of service

Passenger regulations

Preservation of records

Procedures for drug and alcohol testing

Federal motor carrier safety regulations

Transportation of hazardous materials

Employee safety and health standards

State compliance with commercial driver’s license standards

Liability insurance and cargo insurance

Weight limits for cargo

Federal Trucking Law Violations

When trucking industry workers don’t follow the rules, people get hurt. While law violations and noncompliance are punishable with fines, loss of licensing, and other measures, strict sanctions may not deter unsafe trucking practices. The trucking companies, employees, and private contractors found to be guilty of violations that result in collisions (and serious physical harm) may be in line for a lot more than a slap on the wrist. One successful personal injury lawsuit can put negligent trucking companies out of business and cost their insurers hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars.

The skilled truck accident law firms listed in this websitecan help you sort through the federal and state laws to determine who is responsible for the regulation defiance. Your truck accident lawyers will also be able to inform you of the newest laws which may affect your case.

If you or a member of your family has been seriously hurt in a truck accident and you need information on federal trucking regulations, please click here to find a truck accident attorney in your area.

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